As you travel around the local communities you'll see signs that reflect an urgent need.

            No, not "Vote for _______" or "I Support _________" but a plea for help that could save your life and others.

            They are the signs that read "Volunteer with Your Local Fire Company."

            The need is real and is a state-wide problem.  Back in the 1970s there were about 300,000 volunteer firefighters in the Commonwealth.  Today there are about 38,000.

            I remember a time when you regularly had more than 20 volunteer firefighters and fire police from a single company responding to emergency calls.  Many times, more than eight firefighters rode on the first responding truck (back then firefighters were permitted to ride on the back step as well as inside the cab).

            It seems like today you need to dispatch three companies to get 20 volunteers, especially during the daytime.

            After knowing that I served for 48 years as a volunteer firefighter in the community, people ask me interesting questions about the volunteer service – especially those new to the community.  Like, "Why did they need so many fire trucks for that small fire?"  The answer is, they needed the firefighters that the trucks bring.  Or, "Are the local firefighters paid?"  No, they're volunteers. And, "Do the local governments pay for the fire companies?"  No, the local governments make annual donations to the groups but it isn't near enough to cover the costs.  That's why local fire companies need to hold a variety of events each year to help with the costs to protect you.

            Local fire companies need volunteer firefighters and fire police. But, there are many ways you can help if you can't be a firefighter.  Volunteer at their community fund-raising events, join the organization as a social member and help out with the business end of running the fire company, and more. 

            Drop a buck or two (or more) in the boot when you come across the volunteers at a local intersection during a fund drive.  And respond to their annual fund drives, usually done by mail, and remember that whatever you can give will help them do what they promised to do – be there when you need help.

            Anyone interested in volunteering should reach out to their local fire company or contact the Town and Country. We'll gladly point you in the right direction – your local fire company.